Argo QB's told to 'think fast'

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TERRY KOSHAN, QMI Agency

Apr 28, 2011

, Last Updated: 10:13 PM ET

PAISLEY, Fla. — Jim Barker will have a greater influence on the Argonauts’ offence in 2011, but the changes might be subtle at a glance.

“A lot of things are the same things, but we are calling it differently and trying to make it more simple for the receivers and the quarterbacks,” Barker said. “Especially for the quarterback. He needs to know exactly what to do and where to go with the ball.”

During passing drills at the free-agent camp, each quarterback has been timed on a hand-held clock starting at the point of the snap to the point that the football comes out of the quarterback’s hand. Barker asks for the time, and if it’s too long, he yells, “That’s a sack.”

With Cleo Lemon not participating and Steven Jyles seeing limited action, usually it’s one of Dalton Bell, Danny Brannagan, Matt Grothe or B.J. Hall who is taking too long to make a decision.

Quick ball release, or lack of it, was a problem that plagued the Argos last season.

“You’re going to see the ball coming out a little faster (when the season starts), and guys in the right place and understanding how to run the right routes,” Barker said.